Difference between canister filters and others

[Redbled]

I was wondering if someone could tell me the pros and cons of using a canister filter as opposed to a hang on filter? I've never used a canister before, I just always knew they were more expensive.

 

[glolite]

Canisters give more filtration. Hang-on filters are good but if you have a big tank canisters are a good addition.

 

[Tolak]

Canisters hold much more media than a hob, give much better biological filtration. They are ideal for larger tanks, tanks with messy fish, or heavily stocked tanks. You have more variety of filter media you can use than a hob, the only hob that comes close in that respect is Aqua Clear. Your better canisters are built better than any hob, thus last longer. Having more filter media means they can go longer between cleaning. Most run silent or nearly so, A hob can get loud, especially if your water level drops a little.

The biggest problems with them is cost, and that they are a little lacking in mechanical filtration. You can drop a powerhead in the bottom of the tank to create more circulation to help the mechanical filtration, the only way around the cost issue is to try to find a used one.

Tolak

 

[Redbled]

Thanks much both of you.

 

[rdd1952]

I have HOB on my 29 gallon which was my first tank. I decided to try canisters on my 75 gallon and love them. They are dead quiet and work great. One other issue that I have recently heard mentioned is what happens when the power goes off. It appears that as long as the filter media remains wet, the bacteria colony can live for a decent amount of time. Generally the media on HOBs and canisters are both still in water even if the filter isn't pumping. Power wheels though are different (at least from what I have read, don't actually have any) in that the wheel part is where the bacteria colonizes. Once the water flow stops, the wheel dries out so you lose your bacteria very quickly.